How Far Can Leicester Go in Europe?

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You'd be forgiven for believing that the Leicester City in Europe and the Leicester City in the domestic league are two different teams.

That's been somewhat the distinction after two months of club football for the English champions, with Claudio Ranieri's side stuttering on their title defence, but finding a new lease of life on the continental stage.

Beyond their tallies lie the content of their performances. It's almost as if they've been figured out back at home (even if a dominant victory over Crystal Palace suggested otherwise), being on the receiving end of thrashings against Chelsea and Manchester United most notably. However, when the spotlight is fixed on them in a bid for European supremacy, they've broke through a new ceiling.

Image: FOX Sports

A dominant victory over Club Brugge followed by more narrow yet effective three-point takings against Porto and Copenhagen have put the East Midlands squad on the verge of an unprecedented Round of 16 qualification. The flock of blue shirts flying forward after soaking up possession has become synonymous, and soon may be entrenched in folklore for what it has achieved. Maybe, it can achieve more, as has been indicated by the first half of group fixtures.

Leicester City propelled to heights they never could have dreamed of under the tutelage of Ranieri. He proved himself to be a mastermind as teams were left bewildered after what had gone through them. Even despite an excellent performance against Crystal Palace, the Foxes have ground to make up after fellow contenders have done their homework.

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But as things have played out, word hasn't got out to the rest of the pack in Europe. The surprise factor is still there, making Leicester some viable contenders. Granted, Copenhagen, Porto and Club Brugge aren't up there with the heavyweights, but they do represent a different crop of opposition - one of which the English champions have unhinged in a so-far perfect campaign.

With 9 maximum points that will have excitement brimming around the midlands, qualification to the next stage is near-enough secured for the Foxes. Perhaps for most, that is a target well achieved, if not smashed. Leicester City were battling relegation one season - then the next they won the title and after that finished in the top 16 of the whole continent. With that being said, maybe there's more - out of anyone those fans have the biggest right to dream considering the heroics their club pulled off back in May. Maybe Leicester can go further.

A top placing in their group will soften their fortunes for the knockout stages, and they will need that. Over two legs, Leicester must certainly make their mark in the first whether home or away, since that's when the surprise factor looms largest. However it would be foolish just to reason that surprising teams is the only reason they win, because with that logic they only would have won half of their games at most. Their ability to counter under so many scenarios means they can keep the dream alive, with magical talent such as Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy, and now Islam Slimani penetrating the best of defences.

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When it goes to crunch time, Leicester can hold their nerve. Yes, they will be disadvantaged when it comes down to experience, but knowing what these players have achieved they may just relish those extra-time moments and potential penalty shootouts.

So, to answer the question, how far? The next few months may alter the course, but Leicester City could be on the verge of something even greater, something unimaginable. Winning the whole thing is a stretch, but they match up well with most teams other than the upper echelon. Perhaps their day will come. History has been made, for now, and it will continue to. Leicester have no pressure, and being the coolest team of the lot may just give them the extra push. They probably won't make it to Cardiff - don't rule it out though - but should get a trip or two to some epic stadiums of the giants, and they may just stun them.